Sometimes you find an inexpensive product that impresses way beyond it's price. That's the case with L'Oreal Paris AquaProof Crème Shadow $6.95.  A curvy tube of super-shimmery cream-to-powder shadow blend into a shimmery wash of color (add more for more intensity), dries fast, stays put and looks amazingly festive on eyes.  It's crease-proof and waterproof. We tested it and yes, it did last even after being splashed with water--pretty amazing!  Of course the color is important too. there are eight from pink to emerald to iris to gold-all great. 

Stila's Midnight Bloom Eye Shadow Trio $32.00 is designed to be a compliment to their new, Midnight Bloom Fragrance (see our Fragrances Section, opposite column). Inside a satiny, midnight blue envelope-style mirrored compact are three luxe shadows: a pearly, iridescent, light pink, a shimmery, taupe, and a smoky midnight blue liner. TIP: Make a special evening look by wearing the shimmery taupe over the pink and lining heavily with the dark blue.

Summer Eyes Cream-Eye Shadow Quartet $45.00 by Givenchy is a limited edition collection of  eye-catching, paintbox-colored, cream shadows. They are housed in an equally eye-catching, mirrored, square mini compact that houses two mini sponge applicators and a liner brush in the bottom half.  The cover is decorated with the Givenchy logo, and each of the four section are colored in metallic foil representing one of the four matching shadows inside: bright yellow, bright pink, bright blue, and an iridescent leaf green.  These colors look very bright in the compact, but they are smooth and sheer and layerable for an infinite number of effects. Use the brush to make a thin line, or use your finger of one of the sponge applicators to apply a wash of color all over your lids.  These are beautiful, creased-resistant, and colorfast. They represent the highest level of chic, beautiful makeup!

We received Pop Beauty's new "Peaches" Eye Cake $19.00 too late to feature it in our Spring column, but the five, pearly/shimmery stripes of peachy-toned bronze, copper, gold, pink ivory. These are so perfect for Summer, too!   A cute, round tin holds this multi-striped powder cake. You can use one color, or swipe your brush across all for a beautiful, sheer, shimmery, peach glow. You can also just use the lightest shades for highlighter, the middle shades for lids, and the darkest for a liner. This silvery metal tin is fun, but the makeup is high quality-eye bling personified!I

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Eye Shadows $18.00 are a new, simple "take" on sheer powder.  The pressed "Sheer Brights" shades are subtle, softly sexy, and lightly pearlized to light up your lids without bold bling.  They're super-soft and slide on lids easily, but stay put and true to cover. I particularly liked the soft, subdued, blue called "Sky," The soft, flesh-toned 'Peach," and the cool, greyed-green"Mint" on lids. "Opal," a whisper-pink and slightly iridescent shade makes a great highlighter as does "Gold."   TIP: Apply  the "Gold or Opal" shades over any neutral Eye Shadow to brighten it up and give it a bit drama.

There's nothing more flattering to eyes than a warm, sun-kissed glow.  Maybelline New York's Solar and Lunar Energy collections  do just that. The solar collection brightens pale and tanned skin with sun-kissed, bronze tones, while the lunar collection has softer, shimmery highlighting ones. We tried both brand new Expert Wear Eye Shadow Duos $4.35 and think these are going to become some of your favorite shadow combos,  year-round. "Solar Style" is a pearly duo of medium apricot and copper.  The shadows are earthy and warm, not obvious and orange. Ditto the "Lunar Look" combo that pairs a light, matte peachy-pink with a shimmery bronze.  Both sets of shadows do double-duty as highlighters and both resist creasing and fading--even when the weather heats up.

Cream-to-powder eye shadows in plastic tubes are the ultimate travel companion.  Limitless Lid Waterproof Shimmery Shadow $16.00 by Smashbox is a perfect example. This cram-to-powder shadow blends instantly, smoothly, with the the touch of a finger or sponge applicator, dries quickly, and last, and lasts. Four buildable colors from the "Waterfront" Summer Collection include: "Smashing Santa Rose" (shimmery rose), "Smashing Hermosa," (shimmery sandy beige), "Smashing Long Beach" (trendy, shimmery, sea green).  "Smashing Venice," (iridescent, shimmery magenta) would make a truly dramatic eye statement with a deep tan!

Paul and Joe is new to our reviews. The cosmetics line is just one part of a company that also includes a popular clothing line. The boxes and packaging are designer-inspired, with bright, floral graphics and soft, pastel, plastic compacts embossed with delicate  flowers that remind us of the makeup compacts popular in the 1920's and 30's.  Triplegloss $25.00 is an indulgent treat!  A trio of semi-sheer colors are swirled into a pretty, round, pink compact and can be used for lips, eyes, and cheeks. The newest are named for three great cities.  "Paris #01" is a marbleized swirl of coral-red, copper and bronze. Mixed together, they create a semi-shiny, pearly copper glow that looks amazing with a tan and adds a sun-kissed look to pale and medium complexions. "London #02" is a soft swirl of pink, cafe au lait, and light pink. There's also "New York#03" which blends crimson, copper and pearl.

I have always loved the Apt. 5 Eye Shadow Quads $6.50 that are packaged so well in  substantial, clear, lucite squares. These compacts not only look pretty, but let you see exactly what's inside without having to "guess."   For summer there are three, great, newbies:  My favorite is Quad "02-05" that has four, modern, icy pastels (blue, pink, green and ivory) with a hint of pearly iridescence. The colors look amazingly beautiful on pale skin, and even more dramatic against a tan.  There is also a pretty set of berries ("Quad #03-05") which has a pearly pale pink to mix and blend with rose, pink and a soft burgundy.  Finally, a palette of clear brights without much shimmer or pearl perks up eyes as a refreshing change to all the ultra-shiny shadows this summer. You get a pretty medium pink, a light ivory with a pink undertone, a gorgeous, soft, light taupe, and a lilac. 

'The Lucky Chick Mandarin White Orchid Pampering Sampler $20.00 is a trio of bath products in a clear, zip-type plastic carrying case that is adorable and affordable. We've reviewed various Lucky Chick scents, but the new, Mandarin White Orchid is perfect for personal use or gift-giving this Summer!  The scent starts out fruity, but dries down to a very clean, light, floral which won't compete with other fragrances (and it smells nice on it's own, too). You get a 4.4 fl. oz body lotion (lightweight and fast-absorbing); a 4.5 fl. oz bottle of pearly lilac-colored moisturizing body wash; and a 3.2 oz jar of sugar body scrub (perfect for exfoliating before self-tanner).  This is all you need for a romantic weekend away, or give it to your favorite hostess--the brightly printed "girly" graphic paper insert in the clear bag makes this one ready-to-give, even without additional wrapping!

Since it's introduction in 2002, "BEACH" by Bobbi Brown (well named since the scent is the quintessential reminder of Summer) has been a smash hit.  We have previously reviewed some of the spin-off products including the Beach Leave-In Hair Conditioner with SPF 15 $15.00 and Beach Sunscreen for Face SPF 25 $25.00 1.7 fl. oz but there are even more products: Bobbi Brown Beach Body Lotion $35.00 6.7 fl. oz has just arrived on makeup counters. This  is a lightweight body moisturizer with a soothing, hydrating blend of Aloe Vera and Olive, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils.This is especially helpful in the summer to help reduce peeling and prolong the life of your tan. Of course it's also scented with beloved, "Beach" fragrance and also has green tea and Vitamin E to provide antioxidant protection. Beach Sunscreen Body Spray SPF15 $25.00 6.7 fl. oz (photo) comes in slim, rectangular plastic pump bottle that is easy to tote. Better yet, the nearly clear, non-greasy liquid has a moisturizing blend of grapeseed, olive and caster oils and antioxidant Vitamin E.   You can (and should) use SPF protection every day.  With  SPF 15 there's enough protection for daily wear and you get the pleasant bonus of scenting your skin with the  "Beach" fragrance! SNEAK PEEK: In June, the new, Bobbi Brown Beach Sunscreen Gel For Body SPF 20 $25.00 will arrive on makeup counters. Scented with "Beach," this lightweight,   water-resistant gel also contains anti-oxidant Vitamin E,  and Cocoa and Shea Butters, to moisturize while your skin as it being protected from the sun's damaging rays.   It's fabulous!   Better hurry--Beach-scented products sell out the minute they arrive!

Another beloved scent is a French classic - Shalimar by Guerlain has been enchanting women for generations. It's not a weak, wishy-washy fragrance. It's a strong oriental, created for someone who is confident about her femininity and doesn't mind flaunting it. It's sensual, bold,  warm, a bit naughty. The initial impression of this scent is almost smoky and spicy, a melange of vanilla, bergamot, tonka bean,   jasmine,  rose and iris, among other exotic ingredients. It is very strong at first, but the drydown shows it's softer side. The new Shalimar Indulgent Moisturizing Body Mist $47.00 3.4 fl. oz is a bit lighter and softer, but still full of the indulgence of Shalimar fragrance. I can't think of a better way to make yourself feel special, every day, than to spray and smooth your body with this fragranced mist. It's a perfect, wonderful, new  affordable--so go ahead-- indulge!

I personally love pumpkin, especially the smell and taste of this versatile squash. It's not just for Thanksgiving pies, either. Nettare di Zucca is a new line from Dibi  that blends pumpkin and other natural ingredients to feed and nourish skin and keep oil under control as well. The Illuminating Mousse $30.00 6.7 fl. oz comes in a plastic pump with attractive pumpkin design. It dispenses a foamy cleanser  that uses pumpkin extract to mattify the T-zone while it hydrates cheeks, neck and other areas prone to dryness.  You'll find your skin looks and feels clean and soft, yet smooth and radiant, without oily residue. Follow with Soothing Lotion $28.00  8.45 fl. oz. This toner helps keep skin fresh and feels nicely invigorating, while lightly scenting skin with lavender and rose extract. Finally, apply the Absolute Matt Moisturizing Cream $54.00 1.69 fl. oz, a moisturizer that feels rich and creamy, but is actually quite lightweight and easily absorbed. Even better, as the weather heats up, if your skin is prone to greasiness or it's combination skin, grape seed and bearberry extracts (among other things) will give your bare skin an ultra-mat finish while protecting it from aging with antioxidant properties and keeping it moisturized. Try this trio of skin treats--they're terrific for summer--and beyond.

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Bain de-luxe products are spa-quality products at affordable prices to use at home. We are impressed with the quality and the incredible scents!  There are five different collections: lavender, verbena, vanilla citrus, melon, and rosemary mint.  For summer, you can't beat the refreshing Rosemary Mint, the pleasantly fruity Vanilla Citrus, or my favorite, the lemony Verbena.  Whatever yummy scent you choose, The Aloe Vera & Glycerin Body Wash $5.95 17 fl. oz produces a gentle, rich lather that is free of harsh detergents--especially welcome on sensitive or sunburned skin.   When it's time to exfoliate (an absolute must if you're going to use a self-tanner and get a smooth result) the generously-sized Aloe Vera & Glycerin Foaming Body Scrub $5.95 17 fl. oz  washes and removes dry, flaky, itchy skin cells all in one step. Apricot seeds create the skin-sloughing action. Apres cleansing and/or exfoliating, the Crème de-luxe Luxury Body Creme $5.95 17 fl. oz will smooth and soften your skin with a rich, scented lotion containing soy, milk protein, shea butter, aloe & vitamin E. It absorbs quickly with no greasy feel. These products are impressive, but this trio will cost you less than most single spa-quality products. They're a real find. Indulge!

Davies Gate Allspice Sweet Orange Soothing Shower Gel $16.00 8.5 fl. oz is non-drying, daily in-shower or bath cleanser that gently cleans and protects your skin as it moisturizes with vitamins A & E and certified organic botanical extracts.    We like the rectangular "medicine bottle" shape of the all plastic bottle and the refreshing scent that combines notes of natural sweet orange, mango and papaya with a hint of freesia and marigold. The Vanilla Soothing Shower Gel  $16.00 8.5. fl. oz has the same gentle cleaning power and good-for-your-skin ingredients, but it is scented with family-pleasing notes of vanilla and anise, coupled with maple, and honey. The result is a soft, not-overly sweet vanilla scent reminiscent of the highest quality Mexican vanilla extract. yummm!

Calgon is known for inexpensive, spa-like products (remember the harried housewife in her bathtub crying:   "Calgon, take me away" ?) There's nothing I like better than travel-sized products in easy-to-tote packaging. The Ahh SPA  Travel Set includes four 2-oz products:  a  Hydra-Rich Body Wash with Moisture Pearls, Daily Body Scrub with Loofah, Revitalizing Body Mist with Aquaflorals and Intense Hydrating Lotion with Sea Botanicals, all tucked into a clear, reusable tote. We tried "Ocean Oasis," a rejuvenating collection of products that soothed and pampered us with a scent bright with clear, light, marine notes.

St. Ives products combine Swiss glacial water and a botanical blend of chamomile, primrose, sunflower and elder flower to provide natural, nourishing moisture--and at budget prices. There are three different sizes, but for Summer, the perfect size is their handy,  2oz tube.24 hour Moisture Advanced Therapy Lotion $.99 2 oz has a floral scent. This easily absorbed cream may have you thinking it's a lightweight--but it isn't.  Exclusive to St. Ives and this cream is a complex that hydrates dry, flaky skin up to 24 hours!  Also for less than a dollar in a 2 oz tube is St. Ives FreshH20 $.99 2 oz Gel Crème Moisturizer. It has something called "aqua capsules" (containing shea butter, pure spring water, and a natural emollient)  to deliver nutrient rich emollients to your skin without giving it a greasy feel.  St. Ives Collagen Elastin Advanced Therapy Lotion $.99 3 oz bottle, has been the #1 selling St. Ives lotion for over 25 years. It has collagen and elastin, two of the essential proteins in youthful skin and helps smooth and hydrate rough, dry skin on your face, hands and body.

Way back when, before we realized that a golden tan was dangerous to our skin, we used Johnson's Baby Oil to help us get a golden tan and still keep our skin soft and moist.  The days of baking in the sun may be over, but now there's Johnson's Baby Oil Gel $2.99 6.5 fl. oz to help us re-live a moment of our youth. We're still using this product to help maintain moisture in our skin, but now it's even better!  A clever, gel formula makes application cleanser and easier. After bathing, smooth it onto wet skin and let this high-grade mineral oil add softness and a subtle sheen to your skin, just as it always did. Don't forget that this really is baby oil -- use it daily on babies and children to keep their skin soft and smooth, too.

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J.K. Soul Salts is a unique bath & body line that is notably fragranced, with intoxicating fruit scents and aromatherapy florals. If you love the smell of ripe grapefruit, you'll love getting rid of dry, flaking, dead skin (and also to prepare your body as the "canvas" for self-tanners) using Sweet Grapefruit Dead Sea Salts Body Scrub $26.00 18.8 oz. The large, glass apothecary jar opens to reveal pure Dead Sea Salt and Essential Oils that "melt" into your skin, sloughing off dead skin ells as you enjoy the smell of a tart grapefruit. The oils leave just a hint of sheen and softness.  For shaving, try the Lavender Shave Oil $19.00 4 oz.  Although we are used to foams and gels, this blend of precious oils was a nice change. This lavender scented oil It smoothes over skin (a little goes a long way), leaving it easier to shave, while it fights razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation. Our skin felt smoother, softer and pampered.

Shea butter is a great moisturizer, bit sometimes it's just a a bit too heavy. Burt's Bees has a new, Shea Butter Hand Repair Créme $11.00 3.18 oz that actually features cocoa butter and sesame oil to smooth rough hands and deeply moisturize them without leaving a greasy feel. There is a strong, herbal, aromatherapy scent as well.  This simple cream made an immediate difference in the way our hands felt. Inexpensive and effective and in a tote-able tube--what more could you ask for? TIP: Roxanne Quimby, founder of Burt's Bees suggests exfoliating hands, applying this créme, putting on rubber gloves, and then doing your dishes!  She claims the heat from the water will intensify that activity of the moisturizer- what a beautiful way to multi-task! 

C.O. Bigelow Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap $5.00 2 oz  has at least18 separate uses. While we didn't check out all 18, but we did try it on our face, body and hair (and some hand wash) and found this multi-tasker to be a mild, nicely lathering, lightly lavender-scented liquid soap that we really liked. It's gentle, it smells good, it works. It has a bunch of natural and good for your skin ingredients in it (eg. peach kernel, coconut and olive fruit oils with peach juice, pear puree, etc.). It's mild enough to use on a baby's skin, yet it will even clean a surfboard or a floor! This would be great to take camping! Try it and discover your favorite uses.

In our Spring, 2005 column we reviewed Salvatore Ferragamo's fresh, new scent, Incantodream Eau de Toilette Spray 1.07 fl. oz  $55.00, 3.04 oz $75.00. If you've tried it and loved it as we did, you'll be delighted to know that there is also a Bath & Shower Gel $30.00 5 oz. and a Body Lotion $37.00 5. oz. The moment you open the boxes you can smell the heavenly (or should we say, "dreamy") fruity-floral fragrance, but these are light and easy to wear in the summer, even when the temperature heats up. The shower gel is rich and sumptuous -ditto the body lotion.  Use these bath & body temptations on their own or layer with the fragrance to extend it. This fragrance is a fresh, sophisticated scent that works day or evening. TIP: there is also a new line of bath & body products by Ferragamo for men (see the Gifts For Men section of this review).

Philosophy is known for it's unique bath & body products, as well as high quality skincare and makeup. For summer, for yourself or a gift, get a few bottles of  Old Fashioned Lemonade $16.00 16 oz. No, it's not the kind you drink--it is even better. it's a  Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath in one. It thoroughly cleanses hair, face and body while you "drink" in (pun intended) the lemony scent.  For a taste of the tropics, there is also a Sweet Coconut Milk version $16.00 17 oz that really does smell light sweet, freshly-squeezed, coconut. Satisfy your sweet tooth without gaining an ounce. Both are yummy treats for your guest room, a gift, and definitely for yourself. Plastic bottles make them user-friendly in the bath.

Be fashion-forward all the way to Fall, by purchasing a shiny, sheer, Lip Gloss Wand $16.00 by FACE Stockholm. "#37" is a rich, deep maroon in the tube, but slicks on super-shiny and sheer to flatter tans and brighten pale skin with great drama,  all summer. For extra glam alone or with a lipstick, get a Lip Pencil $13.00.  "Tuja" from the new, Fall, 2005 collection. it's a rich Fuschia that works beautifully with the Lip Gloss and those sexy, hot-pink lipsticks you're wearing this summer. These are going to take you places now through the chilliest months!

Bourjois always amazes us with their dazzling array of new color, textures, and styles each season.  Their Lovely Rouge Satin Lipstick $14.00 collection is no exception.  Rich, silky, intense color in 18 shades are organized by pinks, oranges, beiges/brown, purples, and reds.  These exceptional lipsticks have vitamin E to moisturize, and UVA/UVB filters to protect your lips from the sun's damaging rays. Reviewers raved about the clever, tiny round mirror on the top of the tube that makes touch-ups easy. Cool and deep complexions will love  Our picks? We think " #16 Brique Exclusif," a rusty, intense red would flatter a tan or make an elegant evening look for palefaces.  Play   light and soft with "#05 Beige Intime," a toasty pink." Poppy-pink #10 Corail Perso" is a cool, bright coral that looks dressy day or evening, especially for cool complexions. Whatever color you choose, you'll love them all!

Burts Bees makes wonderful lip balms. For summer, they've spiffed up their Lip Shimmers $3.50 with color and pearly shine in seven new shades using all natural ingredients. The slim sticks have a strong, refreshing,  pepperminty scent and slide on soothingly smooth. Vitamin E and confrey moisturize, heal and protect your lips. The colors are semi-sheer and very natural. We particularly liked "Watermelon," a medium sheer pink that flatters everyone.

Pick a shining color from a dozen delicious colors and get soft, moist, glowy lips, too. That's the idea behind the new, Aquatic Shine Glossy Lipstick $14.00 by Biotherm. An attractive, slim, bullet-shaped, shiny silver case holds a semi-sheer lipstick with tons of shine that glides even over chapped lips, flawlessly. Moisture beads and Biotherm's patented mineral-rich concentrate from Thermal Spring Water provides 3 hours of moisturizing color and shine. Choose form three different types: crystallized, syrup shine and holographic shine. We tried two from the crystallized (shimmery) collection:  "#505" is a hot, light pink and #555" is a tangerine (looks more like a warm rose than orange) that looked different, but pretty, on every complexion. If you're looking for something with sexy shine but a bit more color than a lip gloss, you'll love this!

When I wear gorgeous, luxe products, I feel beautiful, empowered and I exude confidence. That's the look and feel you'll get when you splurge on a new, Hydrating Long-Lasting Lipstick $40.00 by Sisley. The tube is a simple, shiny gold with discreet, black gold Sisley crown logo on the very top. Inside, a multi-faceted lipstick slips on your lips like absolute silk, covering them smoothly and perfectly with beautiful color. Botanical extracts such as Vitamin C Plamitate, calendula, and Vitamin E help soften, protect and make your lips feel wonderful. The color is flawless and lasts for hours. This lipstick is pricey, but you get what you pay for here.  You will  reap dividends in envious looks every time you apply it. "Rosewood" is a soft browned pink that is perfect for pale or warm toned skin. Two brighter pinks -- Indian Pink and Pink Grapefruit are gorgeous on deeper and cooler toned skins.

Colors in Love $16.00 by Saledo Cosmetics are just the thing to pop in your purse or tote to the beach. They're cute little clear cubes (4 to a box) secured by a silver heart clasp holding lip gloss duos. Break them in two and enjoy shiny, sheer glosses in 3 different color combos and in sheer, semi-sheer, and shimmery formulas (we tried the orange/apricot combos). These not only look good, they feel incredibly soft on your (sun parched) lips, too.   As a bonus, you get a silvery, mini-lip brush for easy application. Stock up - these will make great stocking stuffers, come holiday time.

Goldie is an exciting, new addition to our review. Hard Candy creator Dineh Mohajer and Jeanne Chavez have created a new makeup line that  blends preppie and punk. There are several cute kits, but ours was the Goldie Lip Kit $22.00 In "Pinke" (there'a also "Luxe"). Open the shiny, mirrored top to find a sheer, ruby-red lipstain and a super-shimmery, rose gloss. The lip colors are soft and long-lasting! On the other side there are small pots of lip plump and lip balm which work very, very well. Flip the wide, rectangular, compact over  and open the silvery lid with "Goldie" logo. You'll see a sheer, berry lip stain and shimmery pink lip gloss. On the other side there's a large, oval pot of exfoliator (rub on lips, tissue off for a smoother smooch). We can't wait to review more of this line with it's cute packaging, modern colors, and sassy edge.

L'Oreal Paris endless Kissable Lipcolour Zero-Transfer & Extreme Wear $9.75 may have one of the longest lipstick names in our column, but it lasts for up to 8 hours, too.   While our reviewers had fun testing the zero transfer claim (it won't smear off while kissing), what we found was that this is a smooth, natural looking lipstick in a dozen, beautiful creme and perle colors that has Vitamin E for softness and a a moist, attractive finish that is neither garish nor overly-shiny. This is a perfect choice for the office and other times when you're not into re-applying, often.  It's pretty color that looks great and stays put (kisses or not). "#410 Lovers Coral" is a medium pink with just a hint of coral perfect for Summer! Get at least one!

Maybelline's Wet Shine Diamonds Liquid Lip Gloss $6.95 has become one of our favorites over the years.  It's super-shiny, feels like silk on lips, lasts a long time and has the gorgeous flecks of glimmer that make lips look full, fresh and sexy.  For Summer there are several new and glorious glosses to try:   "gold Gleams, Solar Kiss, Moonlit Pucker and Moons Rays."  Even the names sound glamorous and if you use them, your lips will look that way, too!

Lolishine Reflects $20.00 by Shu Uemura are really little wonders. They're super-sheer, shiny glosses that are also super-moist lip-savers for even the most parched lips. They also sparkle with light-reflecting   glimmer. The heat from lips activates the gloss, and a process called   'Aqua-Lock"  keeps the silky moisturizing properties of this lip gloss going all day . There are literally dozens of colors, but they're so sheer that anyone can wear every one. They just feel so luxe and look so sexy--even on sunburned or chapped lips and I loved the subtle hint of green tea when you apply. The brighter colors still go on so sheer you might as well have fun and try some of those. I  particularly liked the glorious yellow ""#002" that adds just a touch of golden glow and sexy, sparkling shine. Other fun, new shades to try for Summer are "000" a neon pink, "001" a neon orange,  "331" a  deep rose, "#923," a shimmery browned rose, and "523," a  light pink. Treat yourself to at least one and you'll find yourself reaching for it over and over again, all day and evening-long!

Sun Shells Lip Gloss $5.00 by Mark comes in a cool, clear, lucite cube the size of a small ice cube. Inside, two  shell-shaped wells hold smooth, full coverage, shiny lip color in five great shades. Our top choices are "Bikini," a coral/poppy glaze perfect for everyone's complexion and "Surf," a glorious copper that goes on like rich cream and stays put!   Another bonus is that these smell divine--just like a fruit smoothie. They'll be cute as can be in your pocket, purse or tote!

Apt. 5 Lip Gels $4.00 are attractive squares of shiny, clear lip gloss infused with the merest hint of color and tons of tiny bits of glitter in silver ("White"), gold ("Yellow"), peach ("Orange"), sea green ("Green") and turquoise ("Blue").  They resemble colorful, pop-art squares In their clear, slim, plastic compacts. On your lips, the vanilla-scented gloss feels soft, silky and moisturizing, and has just the tiniest glint in the sun. These are inexpensive, pretty to look at (so colorful strewn on a dressing table or in a basket), and great fun to use!

  The limited edition Mini Lipgloss Trio $19.99 by Zhen comes in a cute, clear, denim-trimmed zippered pouch perfect for beach, gym or purse. The silky, semi-shiny glosses with a hint of fruity scent come in "Vintage Rose,"(berried rose) "Vintage Pink," (soft rose) and Plumberry (browned plum).  This is a $40.00 value that would make a nice gift for a happy hostess, too.

Givenchy Pop Gloss Syrup $22.00 s a limited edition gloss just for now.  We tried "#410 Cool Rose"  which is primarily clear pink but with a hint of warm/melon undertone. The color is just perfect for a tan!  This gloss is sheer but you can layer a few times for more color. Mostly what you get is sheer color and shine. What I really like about this one is the super-moist, silky, long-lasting but never sticky consistency that actually made my lips look smooth and full.

We haven't done a lot of lip liners this column, but one that is worthy of note is the Lip Liner $19.50 by Dianne Brill, that comes in a re-useable, sexy, girly-pink metal "cigar" tube. One side has a superb lip brush, the other, a liner that is soft enough to work as it's own, lip color or to line summer lips, naturally. Five colors, mostly earth-tones, go from a soft cinnamon to a bright, clear red. These liners really stay put - even serious rubbing didn't motivate them to leave our lips! "Naked Mesh," a soft chestnut, would be sexy au natural with a slick of clear gloss to go with your new tan!

He says: "Honey? can I borrow your lip balm?" You say: "Sure" only to realize that yours has shine or color and he won't use it. Get that special man his own lip balm. The  Molton Brown Vitamin Lipsaver $16.00 is a lip balm made just for men!  This soft, clear gel in a tube is not overly shiny and totally clear. Better yet, it feels so soothing on chapped or parched lips, and it is enriched with natural vitamin E, honey and beeswax. The matte, pewter tube with white band looks masculine so he'll it's great to guard against sun, wind, air conditioning whether you're skiing, sailing, hiking, or just traveling!

We also like the Bigelow Lip Formula SPF 15 $7.50, a fragrance free tube (with slanted applicator top) of clear gel with sweet almond oil, cottonseed oil, aloe leaf jojoba and a sun protector SPF15 to soothe, heal and protect lips--which it does --beautifully! It's also fragrance free and has a slightly sweet vanilla scent and taste, with no color or high-shine. The entire family will love it.

Another notable Moisture balm that can be used for lips, face, elbows--anywhere extra moisture and protection is needed --is the Luxe Moisture Balm by Trish McEvoy $38.00. It's more than a moisturizing balm, however. It has  SPF 15 to protect as well as moisturize  and the mini deodorant-style, wide and flat applicator,  makes it easy to apply to larger areas as well as smaller ones, in just one stroke. The entire family will feel good using it, so you won't have to lug an arsenal of products anymore.

Sue Devitt Studio Starbrights Lip and Cheek $35.00 arrive in new, round, silvery, mirrored compacts. Inside, two lip colors and a cheek gel slide on super-sheer, but with build-able color.  "Rana" is a trio of perfect peaches that give a natural, sheer glow to cheeks and lips. The cheek gloss and the deeper peach lip gloss have a hint of gold shimmer, while the second lip gloss (very light peach) has a hint of pearl. These give a subtle look perfect for the more casual days ahead. They can be layered for more color, or used over your bronzer, powder, or lip colors to add shine and shimmer. "Lyra," a combo of a gold-glinted rose cheek volot, coupled with light pink lip glosses, will add a subtle glow to a tan, and still look pretty on a pale complexion.